US20030182311A1 - Parts list system used for part number management and method for preparing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A parts list system used for part number management is composed of a parts table database and a parts list controller. The parts table database includes a parts list which stores a state data and a part number data. The state data indicates a progress state of a part. And the part number data includes a number of the part as an identifier. The parts list controller inhibits change of the part number data, when the state data indicates prohibition of the change of the part number data.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• The present invention relates to a parts list (parts table) system on a computing system for managing a part configuration and the like of parts used in a product, and a method of preparing a parts list. More particularly, the present invention relates to a parts list system for preparing and managing a parts list and controlling a linkage to another data and the like, and a method of preparing a parts list.[0002]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0003]
• In designing an apparatus such as an automobile constituted of a large number of parts complicatedly, the parts are managed by using a parts table system. Here, the parts table is used for managing the configuration of parts, the number of parts, data peculiar of parts such as a record of design change of the parts, a assembling unit in the product, a usage state and the like, for each part. The parts include master parts (parts constituting the automobile) and slave parts (parts constituting the master parts).[0004]
• In a conventional parts table system, design changes of parts and the record have to be managed strictly at a designing stage. And, even if the tentatively assigned part number (referred to as [tentative part number]) or a part configuration data are set at a planning/scheduling stage, they can not be directly used at the designing stage. Thus, the data such as the tentative part number and the part configuration data at the planning/scheduling stage can not be directly and continuously shifted to new parts table at the designing stage.[0005]
• Designers can generate and maintain the data of the parts table of the planning/scheduling stage. But they have to prepare new part number and new part configuration data in new parts table at design stage so that the data at a planning/scheduling stage is reflected in the new parts table at the designing stage.[0006]
• Also, the parts table at the planning/scheduling stage is disclosed only to a limited person who is recognized as a participant by the designer. Other designers and persons who are not recognized can not check the part table at the planning/scheduling stage. They can start to see the parts table from the designing stage. Thus, they start to confirm the parts table and to prepare opinions and requests from the design stage. Hence, it takes a long time to get the opinion and the request about the part table.[0007]
• A system, which can unitarily manage the part numbers from the planning/scheduling stage to the designing stage, is desired. A system, which can shift the tentative part numbers in the parts table at the planning/scheduling stage continuously in their original states to the parts table at the designing stage and then use them, is desired. A system, which enables even other departments related to the development to share the parts table at the planning/scheduling stage, is desired.[0008]
• Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a parts list system that can continuously manage part numbers from a planning/scheduling stage to a designing stage, and a method of preparing the parts list.[0009]
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a parts list system that can shift tentative part numbers in a parts table at a planning/scheduling stage continuously to normal part numbers in a parts table at a designing stage, and a method of preparing the parts list.[0010]
• Still another object of the present invention is to provide a parts list system that enables even other departments related to a development to share a parts table at a planning/scheduling stage and enables opinions to be widely obtained from persons related to the development at suitable timings.[0011]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing part numbers continuously from a planning/scheduling stage to a designing stage.[0012]
• In an aspect of the present invention, a parts list system used for part number management is composed of a parts table database and a parts list controller. The parts table database includes a parts list which stores a state data and a part number data. The state data indicates a progress state of a part. And the part number data includes a number of the part as an identifier. The parts list controller inhibits change of the part number data, when the state data indicates prohibition of the change of the part number data.[0013]
• It is advantageous if the parts list further stores a part data indicating data associated with the part.[0014]
• It is advantageous if the parts list controller allows the change of the part number data, when the state data indicates permission of the change of the part number data.[0015]
• It is advantageous if the parts list controller sets the state data based on a combination of a plurality of status data of the part and flags of the part. And the status data and the flags are set based on the progress state. And the state data are changed based on change of the combination.[0016]
• Preferably, the parts list system is further composed of a display. The display displays the parts list in a form of a table to indicate the part number data of one part and the state data of the one part for each low of the table.[0017]
• It is advantageous if the parts list further stores a configuration data including a relationship between a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and the slave parts. And the state data of the master part is associated with any of the state data of the slave parts.[0018]
• Preferably, the parts list system is further composed of a figure database. The figure database stores a figure data in which the part number data of the part and a figure of the part are correlated to each other. And the parts list controller inhibits the change of the part number data contained in the figure data, when the state data indicates the prohibition of the change of the part number data.[0019]
• It is advantageous, when the part number data is changed to the tentative part number data, if the parts list controller checks validation of the tentative part number data by comparing the tentative part number data with a previously used part number data.[0020]
• It is advantageous, when the part number data is changed to the tentative part number data, if the parts list controller checks validation of the tentative part number data by checking whether the tentative part number complies with a predetermined rule of the part number data.[0021]
• It is advantageous, when the parts include a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, if the rule includes whether the tentative part number data of the slave part includes a piece of the part number data of the master part.[0022]
• In another aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing a part list used for part number management is composed of:[0023]
• preparing a part list storing a state data and a part number data, the state data indicates a progress state of a part, and the part number data includes a number of the part as an identifier;[0024]
• setting the state data which indicates permission of change of the part number data;[0025]
• assigning a tentative part number data served as the part number data, when the state data indicates the permission of the change of the part number data;[0026]
• setting the state data which indicates inhibition of the change of the part number data after changing design of the part;[0027]
• defining the tentative part number data as a normal part number.[0028]
• Preferably, the method is further composed of:[0029]
• after assigning the tentative part number data, checking validation of the tentative part number data by comparing the tentative part number data with a previously used part number data.[0030]
• Preferably, the method is further composed of:[0031]
• before defining the tentative part number data as the normal part number data, checking validation of the tentative part number data by checking whether the tentative part number complies with a predetermined setting rule of a part number data. It is advantageous if the rule includes whether the tentative part number data of the slayer part includes a piece of the part number data of the master part, when the part includes a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and the slave parts.[0032]
• In still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable program preparing a part list used for part number management includes following steps:[0033]
• preparing a part list storing a state data and a part number data, the state data indicates a progress state of a part, and the part number data includes a number of the part as an identifier;[0034]
• setting the state data which indicates permission of change of the part number data;[0035]
• assigning a tentative part number data served as the part number data, when the state data indicates the permission of the change of the part number data;[0036]
• setting the state data which indicates inhibition of the change of the part number data after changing design of the part;[0037]
• defining the tentative part number data as a normal part number.[0038]
• Preferably, the method is further composed of:[0039]
• after assigning the tentative part number data, checking validation of the tentative part number data by comparing the tentative part number data with a previously used part number data.[0040]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration in an embodiment of a design system to which a parts list system of the present invention is applied;[0041]
• FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a display screen of a parts list;[0042]
• FIG. 3 is a view describing a data structure of a parts list;[0043]
• FIG. 4 is a view describing a parts table database;[0044]
• FIG. 5 is a view describing a state database;[0045]
• FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a display screen of a figure;[0046]
• FIG. 7 is a view describing a figure database; and[0047]
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in an embodiment of a parts list system of the present invention.[0048]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Embodiments of a parts list system of the present invention and a method of preparing a parts list will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.[0049]
• This embodiment is described by exemplifying a parts list used for a design of an automobile. However, this parts list can be applied to a design of another apparatus provided with a number of complex parts.[0050]
• FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration in an embodiment of a design system to which the parts list system of the present invention is applied.[0051]
• This design system is provided with a[0052]parts list system1, a figure managing system8-0 and a plurality of data terminals8-1 to8-n. They are connected by a two-way network9.
• In the present invention, with regard to items and parts, data indicating of their states are added to a parts list of a database, and tasks describing their states or combinations of the tasks are defined. Then a theory for judging the particular state at a time of a particular state is assembled in the design system.[0053]
• In a case of a judgment at a planning/scheduling stage, the design system automatically checks whether or not a part number inputted to a parts table by a designer is already presented. If the part number is not presented, it is used as a tentative part number. Then, if an administration department receives the parts table containing this tentative part number after the planning/scheduling stage, the duplication of the part number is automatically checked again. If there is no duplication, the tentative part number is automatically updated to a normal part number, on the parts table.[0054]
• Consequently, the tentative part number can be continuously used as the normal part number.[0055]
• The[0056]parts list system1 will be described hereinafter.
• The[0057]parts list system1 is a data processor exemplified as a workstation or a personal computer. It includes a partslist system body2 and aninput output unit7.
• The parts[0058]list system body2 has aparts list controller3 and afigure controller4 served as a program, and includes a parts table database5-1, a state database5-2, a part number rule database5-3, a figure database6-1 and a figure standard database6-2.
• Based on the state data of a particular part among a plurality of parts in the parts list (parts table), the[0059]parts list controller3 controls the change (removal of content, addition, change and the like) of various data of the particular part. The parts list is stored in the parts table database5-1. The state data indicates a progress state of a plan, a design or so on of the part. The progress state of the plan or the design is state data such as the progress level in a series of processes. The progress level is represented by a schedule/plan, a design (change), a check of a figure, an inspection of a part number (check), a normalization of the part number and the like.
• Here, a parts list ([0060]5-1′) is an electronic parts table that is prepared and used by a method of this invention. The parts list (5-1′) includes an item data, a part number data, an configuration data, a state data, a part application data, a part configuration data, and a position shape data linked a part number.
• The item data includes an item number (an item) and the name of an item. An item is constituted by a set of parts and items constitute a certain function.[0061]
• The part number data includes a part number and a name of a part, which are identifiers that identify a part. The part number is a number individually assigned to each of parts constituting the item.[0062]
• The state data includes a progress state of a plan or a design with regard to each of parts.[0063]
• The part application data, the part configuration data and the position shape data are related to the part number.[0064]
• Then, parts represented by part numbers are classified into a hierarchy for each item and arranged in a tree structure. For example, a part (a part number) of a first hierarchy is correlated to a tree of the first hierarchy, and a part (a part number) of a second hierarchy constituting the part of the first hierarchy is correlated to a tree of the second hierarchy. The second hierarchy is a lower order of the first hierarchy. Hereafter, they are similarly correlated. In this case, the part of the first hierarchy is a master part, and the part of the second hierarchy is a slave part.[0065]
• The part application data is the data to indicate a combination of mechanisms (options) in which a part is used.[0066]
• The part configuration data is the data peculiar to a part, such as the number of slave parts, material quality, weight, volume, cost, part analyzing method, a desirable part maker and the like.[0067]
• The position shape data is the data to correlate a part number in the parts list with a part position data or the shape data stored in a different location to each other.[0068]
• And, the position data or the shape data is the data (also referred to as a 3D (three-dimensional) data exemplified on a CAD figure) indicative of a part mount position and a part shape. Or the position data or the shape data is a figure and it is stored in the figure database[0069]6-1.
• The parts table database[0070]5-1 stores the parts list5-1′. The parts list5-1′ is opened to the persons in the related development. For example, They are an engineer, a person in charge of a research, a person in charge of a technical evaluation, a different designer, a person in charge of a purchase, a person in charge of a project, and the like. For receipting opinions about the parts list5-1′ from the related persons, they are allowed to write their opinions on a special region in the parts list5-1′, or to annex an attached file, or to establish a link with a file of the opinion data.
• The state database[0071]5-2 stores statuses A to D which will be described later, a figure flag and a total flag, and the state data while they are correlated to each other.
• The part number rule database[0072]5-3 stores a part number rule to define a rule with regard to an assignment of a part number.
• The designer can view the opinion data indicated by the attached file described by the related person or the file of the link destination by opening the parts list[0073]5-1′. That is, the opinion data of the concerned person can be easily checked on the parts list5-1′. Thus, it is possible to decrease the time and the labor, and also possible to reduce the possibility of an oversight.
• Here, the parts list[0074]5-1′ is further explained with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a display screen, which displays the electronic part list5-1′. Adisplay screen10 includes: apart number display11 having anumber13, ahierarchy14, astate15, apart configuration16 and an item/part name17; and aconfiguration data display12.
• The[0075]part number display11 shows the data to specify a part. The number13 (represented by No.) indicates a symbol based on a predetermined rule. The hierarchy14 (represented by LVL) indicates the number of the above-mentioned hierarchy. Thestate15 indicates the state data of the part. Thepart configuration16 indicates a part number of each hierarchy represented in a form of a tree or an item. The item/part name17 indicates the name of the item or the part.
• The configuration data display[0076]12 shows the part application data of the part, the part configuration data, the position shape data linked a part number and the other data with regard to the part, for each part.
• The[0077]part configuration16 has the tree structure as mentioned above. For example, below an item16-1 (In FIG. 2, F012001), a part number16-2 of a first hierarchy and a part number16-3 of a second hierarchy (there is not a third hierarchy in FIG. 2) are represented in the tree structure. That hierarchy is represented in thehierarchy14.
• The data structure of the parts list[0078]5-1′ will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.
• FIG. 3 is a view describing the data structure of the parts list[0079]5-1′. The parts list5-1′ is the set of the data having respective attributes of anitem21, apart22, apackage23, anapplication header24, apart peculiarity25 and a FIG. 26.
• The[0080]item21 has an item data in which parts are included and a data indicative of a state of an item.
• The[0081]part22 has a part number data, a data indicative of a state of a part number, a figure check flag indicative of a presence or absence of a figure, and a state of an approval of a figure.
• The[0082]package23 has items, part numbers, a data indicative of a state of a package, and a total check flag indicative of a validation of the data of the item and the part number. The items and the part numbers constitute a group (hereafter, referred to as [Package]) of a set of figures to be collectively inspected.
• The[0083]application header24 has a data indicating a derivative data (a grade within a model) to which a part indicated by a part number is applied.
• The[0084]part peculiarity25 has a data (a part configuration data and the like) peculiar to a part, and the data correlated to the part number.
• The FIG. 26 has a data which indicates a figure of a part indicated by the part number, and which is correlated to a part number.[0085]
• The parts table database[0086]5-1 will be further described. The parts table database5-1 stores the parts list5-1′ in which a part number is correlated with various data of the part indicated by the part number.
• FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the parts list[0087]5-1′ of the parts table database5-1. The parts list5-1′ has ahierarchy28, astate29, anitem30, apart number32, astatus A31, astatus B33, afigure flag34, astatus D39, apackage35, astatus C36, atotal flag37, anapplication head38, anapplication40, apart configuration41 and alink27.
• The[0088]hierarchy28 corresponds to thehierarchy14.
• The[0089]state29 corresponds to thestate15.
• The[0090]item30 is the item data and corresponds to the item number of thepart configuration16 and the item name of theitem part name17.
• The[0091]status A31 indicates the state with regard to an item and indicates states a1 to a4.
• The[0092]part number32 is the part number data and corresponds to the part number of thepart configuration16 and the part number name of the item/part name17.
• The[0093]status B33 indicates the state with regard to a part number and indicates states b1 to b3.
• The[0094]figure flag34 is the figure check flag indicative of a presence or absence of a figure.
• The[0095]status D39 indicates the state with regard to the normalization of a figure and indicates a state d1.
• The[0096]package35 is a group (hereafter, referred to as [Package]) constituted by a part number and an item. The set of figures of the part number and the item is collectively inspected.
• The[0097]status C36 indicates the state with regard to a package and indicates states c1, c2.
• The[0098]total flag37 is the total check flag indicative of the validation of the data of a part number and an item.
• The[0099]application header38 is a derivative data (a grade within a model) to which a part indicated by a part number is applied.
• The[0100]application40 is the part application data.
• The[0101]part configuration41 is the part configuration data.
• The[0102]link27 is the data indicating link destinations with regard to other files, data, figures and the like.
• The state database[0103]5-2 is further described. The state database5-2 stores statuses A to D as state display data, a figure flag and a total flag, and a state data while they are correlated to each other. In the state database5-2, the combination of statuses A to D, a figure flag and a total flag is correlated to a state data.
• FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the state database[0104]5-2. The state database5-2 has astatus A51, astatus B52, astatus C53, astatus D54, afigure flag55, atotal flag56 and astate57.
• The[0105]status A51, thestatus B52, thestatus C53 and thestatus D54 correspond to thestatus A31, thestatus B33, thestatus C36 and thestatus D39 of the parts list5-1′ (FIG. 4) in the parts table database5-1, respectively. Similarly, thefigure flag55 and thetotal flag56 correspond to thefigure flag34 and thetotal flag37 of the parts list5-1′ (FIG. 4) in the parts table database5-1, respectively.
• The[0106]state57 indicates the conditions (states) of permission, limit and inhibition with regard to the change of the data in the parts list5-1′ (FIG. 4). The state57 (condition) is exemplified such that an operation of a part number and an application is free, an operation of a part number removal is not allowed, an operation of an application change is not allowed, or an operation of a part number change/addition/removal is not allowed.
• Then, a[0107]certain state57 is set for a certain combination of thestatus A51, thestatus B52, thestatus C53, thestatus D54, thefigure flag55 and thetotal flag56. The parts listcontroller3 determines thestate29 of FIG. 4, based on thestatus A31, thestatus B33, thestatus C36, thestatus D39, thefigure flag34 and thetotal flag37 of FIG. 4, referring the state database5-2. This value is reflected in thestate15 of FIG. 2.
• The[0108]certain state57 may be set for a certain combination of not only thestatus A51, thestatus B52, thestatus C53, thestatus D54, thefigure flag55 and thetotal flag56, but also states or statuses of the part's slayer.
• The state[0109]15 (state data) in FIG. 2 is determined based on the combination of the four states of an item state, a part number state, a package state and an application state. Based on the combination, thestate15 is judged as each of the stages exemplified as a planning/scheduling stage (the operation of the part number and the application is free), a designing stage (the operation of the part number removal is not allowed), a figure output stage (the operation of the application change is not allowed) and a figure output stage b (the operation of the part number change/addition/removal is not allowed). In FIG. 2, symbols B, C, D, F and G are illustrated as the display examples of those states.
• In the present invention, with regard to the item and the part, a data indicative of its state (the state[0110]29) is added to the parts list5-1′. When certain data is changed in the parts list5-1′, if thestate29 is changed in association with the change of the data, a function in this system automatically or unautomatically describes the change of the state base-d on the combination. The combination is determined based on the four states of the item state, the part number state, the package state and the application state. Thus, even if the same parts list5-1′ is referred, the allowable (executable) operation at each stage is controlled based on thestate29 of the data with regard to the part number.
• Also, it is possible to operate the data peculiar of the part in the parts list[0111]5-1′ without influence of thestate29, if the data peculiar provides certain attribute of the part peculiarity.
• By the way, the display of the parts list as shown in FIG. 2 is one embodiment, and it is not limited to this display.[0112]
• Also, combinations of the states are not limited to the above-mentioned four cases. Also, it is possible to use not only the data of the states but also other data such as a flag and the like.[0113]
• The person referring to the parts list finds out a proper part number from the[0114]part configuration16 on the display screen of FIG. 2 and then views its line. So the person can view the data of the part indicated by the part number (including not only the data within the file of the parts list5-1′ but also the data correlated (linked) to the file (or the item, the part number) of the parts list5-1′.
• Also, the parts are modified or changed between the planning/scheduling stage and the manufacturing stage of the automobile, in many cases. And, their data of the modification are written to the file correlated to the parts list[0115]5-1′ or to the parts list5-1′ itself. Each modification or change of the part is reflected in the file at a real time. Thus, the concerned person can anytime know the latest situation of the development.
• The parts list[0116]5-1′ may be prepared for each classification or may be collectively prepared for each model. Here, the classification implies a mechanism (for example, a frame, an engine, a transmission and the like), a model (for example, a car model), a section (for example, a roof) and an item (for example, a sunroof).
• In this embodiment, [Correlation] or [Link] of a data includes a correlation between files, a correlation between a data within a file and a different file, a correlation between a data within a file and a data within a different file, and like. Then, the data/file can be called out from another data/file. For example, a storing location of the one file/data (for example, a database name, a path to a database and an address of a data within a database) is stored in another file/data. And then the file/data is called out by using another file/data. Or a name of a database in which the file/data is stored and the file name/part number are stored in another database. And then the file/data is called out by using them, and the like. However, it is not limited to these examples.[0117]
• It is possible to use an approach of a conventional relational database to thereby carry out the correlation based on various keys.[0118]
• As for the correlated data, the attribute of the FIG. 26 is assigned to the data with regard to a figure. The attribute of the[0119]part peculiarity25 is assigned to the data except the data with regard to a figure unless otherwise specified.
• The[0120]figure controller4 checks whether or not a figure complies with the predetermined rule in the figure standard database6-2. Then, if the figure does not comply with the rule, thefigure controller4 modifies the figure based on an input of a designer. The figure is stored in the figure database6-1.
• The figure database[0121]6-1 stores a part number data and a figure of the part specified by the part number data while they are correlated to each other.
• The figure standard database[0122]6-2 stores a predetermined figure standard data.
• Here, the figure is further explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a display screen of the figure. A[0123]display screen45 has aconfiguration part column42, a CAD FIG. 43 and atitle column44.
• The[0124]configuration part column42 displays a data to specify a slave part, such as a part number, a part name and the like. The slave part constitutes a master part drawn on the figure. The CAD FIG. 43 is a three-dimensional CAD data of a part. Thetitle column44 displays a data to specify a part drawn on the figure.
• By the way, the display of the figure as shown in FIG. 6 is one embodiment. It is not limited to this display.[0125]
• A data with regard to a figure stored in the figure database[0126]6-1 will be further described. The figure database6-1 stores a figure data6-1′ (figure data) in which a part number data and a figure of a part specified by the part number data are correlated to each other.
• FIG. 7 is a view describing the figure data[0127]6-1′ of the figure database6-1. The figure data6-1′ has apart number46, atitle column47, aconfiguration part column48 and aCAD data49.
• The[0128]part number46 is the part number data and corresponds to a part number contained in thetitle column47 or theconfiguration part column48. Thetitle column47 is the data of thetitle column44 of the figure. Theconfiguration part column48 is the data of theconfiguration part column42 of the figure. TheCAD data49 is the data of the CAD FIG. 43 of the figure.
• Item numbers, part numbers, items and part names of the data in the[0129]title column47 and theconfiguration part column48 are correlated to the item30 (the item data) and the part number32 (the part number data) in the parts table database5-1.
• Then, if the data with regard to the part in the data of the[0130]configuration part column42 or thetitle column44 is changed, thefigure controller4 controls the change of the parts table database5-1 with theparts list controller3. So the content of the change is reflected in theitem30, thepart number32, thepart configuration41 and the like of the parts table database5-1. At this time, theparts list controller3 does not allow the control if the notation and the change of the item, the part number and the other data with regard the part in the parts list5-1′ are not allowed. If theparts list controller3 does not allow the control, thefigure controller4 cancels the notation and the change of the data corresponding to the figure data6-1′.
• The CAD FIG. 43 may be obtained from the design data of another model designed already or may be independently generated by the designer.[0131]
• The[0132]input output unit7 is conventionally known as the input output unit used in a workstation or a personal computer. A keyboard and a mouth are exemplified as the input unit.
• A display and a printer are exemplified as the output unit.[0133]
• The figure managing system[0134]8-0 is exemplified as the workstation or the personal computer. It is the information processor that can access theparts list system1 through thenetwork9. It carries out an admission and management of a figure.
• The information terminals[0135]8-1 to8-n(n=1, 2, . . . ) are exemplified as the work station or the personal computer, and they are the information processing terminals that can access theparts list system1 through thenetwork9. The persons concerned in the development use them to access theparts list system1. Also, they can directly use theparts list system1.
• The[0136]network9 is the dedicated line exemplified as LAN (Local Area Network) or the communicable line, such as a public line and the like, exemplified as the Internet.
• An embodiment of a preparing method (an operation in the electronic part lists system[0137]1) of the parts list5-1′ in the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the embodiment of the preparing method (the operation in the parts list system[0138]1) of the parts list5-1′ in the present invention.
• (1) Step S[0139]01.
• At the planning/scheduling state, a designer plans or schedules a design change of a part, based on a referential/independent consideration of various data and the like. Then, based on the schedule/plan, the[0140]figure controller4 is used to select the part from the figure database6-1 and read out its figure and then carry out the design change.
• At this stage, the statuses A[0141]31/B33/C36 are at a1/b1/c1. The combination of these statuses shows the state at which changing the data of the part is allowed, based on the state database5-2. This state is indicated by using the proper signs (or symbols) for the state29 (and the display of the state15).
• (2) Step S[0142]02
• In the[0143]figure controller4, the part is modified based on the design change of the designer, and the part numbers located at the proper position of thetitle column44 and theconfiguration part column42 in thescreen display45 are revised. These revisions are reflected in the data of thetitle column47 and theconfiguration part column48 on the figure database6-1. The part number in this case is the tentatively-set part number (the part number or the tentative part number).
• Even at this stage, the statuses A[0144]31/B33/C36 are still at the a1/b1/c1. Similarly, the combination of these statuses shows the state at which changing the data of the part is allowed.
• (3) Step S[0145]03
• If the part number is changed, the[0146]figure controller4 inquires of theparts list controller3 whether or not the tentative part number overlaps with another part number. The parts listcontroller3 retrieves the parts list of the parts table database5-1, and examines whether or not the tentative part number was previously used. The examined result is sent back to thefigure controller4.
• If the tentative part number was previously not used and there was no duplication, it is assumed that the[0147]figure controller4 uses the tentative part number. Then, the content of thepart number32 of the parts table database5-1 is changed based on the tentative part number.
• Even at this stage, the statuses A[0148]31/B33/C36 are still at the a1/b1/c1. Similarly, the combination of these statuses shows the state at which changing the data of the part is allowed.
• If the tentative part number was previously used and there was the duplication, the operational flow proceeds to a step S[0149]04.
• (4) Step S[0150]04
• Since the tentative part number was previously used and there was the duplication, the[0151]figure controller4 cancels to use the tentative part number. Then, thefigure controller4 carries out the display indicating the fact and instructing the designer to again set the tentative part number.
• The designer modifies the tentative part number based on its content. The operational flow proceeds to the step S[0152]02.
• (5) Step S[0153]05
• The[0154]figure controller4 inspects whether or not the figure complies with a predetermined standard.
• The case of the compliance leads to the completion of the figure.[0155]
• Based on the completion of the figure, the[0156]parts list controller3 sets a figure check flag of thefigure flag34 of the part. The statuses A31/B33/C36 are still at the a1/b1/c1. The combination of this flag and these statuses shows the state at which the removal of the part number32 (and the display of the part number of the part configuration16 (the tentative part number) from the state database5-2 is not allowed. This state is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15).
• After that, in the case of the compliance, the operational flow proceeds to a step S[0157]07. In the case of the refusal, the operational flow proceeds to a step S06.
• (6) Step S[0158]06
• Since the figure does not comply with the predetermined standard, the[0159]figure controller4 carries out the display indicating the fact and the display of the content of the refusal, for a designer. Designer can change the figure.
• The designer modifies the figure based on this content. The operational flow returns back to the step S[0160]05.
• (7) Step S[0161]07.
• The parts list[0162]controller3 determines the relation between theitem30 and thepart number32 of the part used therein, since the figure is completed. At the same time, the statuses A31/B33/C36 are changed to a2/b1/c1. The combination of these statuses shows the state at which the change of the application40 (the display of the part application data of the configuration data display12) from the state database5-2 is not allowed. This state is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15).
• (8) Step S[0163]08
• The designer determines the[0164]item30 and the part number32 (the tentative part number) to generate a package of a set of figures to be collectively inspected at a unit of the design change. Based on the input of theitem30 and the part number32 (the tentative part number) to generate the package from the designer, theparts list controller3 writes them to thepackage35. At the same time, the statuses A31/B33/C36 are changed to a2/b1/c2. The combination of these statuses shows the state at which the operation (the removal, the change or the addition) of the part number32 (and the display of the part number of the part configuration16 (the tentative part number)) from the state database5-2 is not allowed. This state is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15).
• (9) Step S[0165]09
• The parts list[0166]controller3 checks whether or not the tentative part numbers are correct, with regard to theitem30 and the plurality of part numbers32 (tentative part numbers) packaged at the unit of the design change (the total check). There are the check contents as to whether or not thepart number32 complies with a part number rule (stored in the part number rule database5-3), whether or not there is a piece of master part number (a part number and an item in a high order hierarchy) in a part number of a low order hierarchy, whether or not the part number in the high order hierarchy is used in the low order hierarchy, whether or not the same item/part numbers are used, and the like. All of theitems30 and the part numbers32 in the parts list are inspected.
• If there is no problem, the figure is completed. Then, the[0167]part number32 becomes the normal part number from the tentative part number.
• At this time, the[0168]parts list controller3 sets the total check flag of thetotal flag36 of the part, at the same time. However, the statuses A31/B33/C36 are still at the a2/b1/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination of this flag and these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15), based on the state database5-2.
• After that, if there is no problem, the operational flow proceeds to a step S[0169]11. If there is a problem, the operational flow proceeds to a step S10.
• (10) Step S[0170]10
• Since there is a problem in the[0171]tentative part number32, theparts list controller3 carries out the display indicating the fact and the display of the problematic content, for a designer.
• The designer modifies the tentative part number of the figure and the electronic part list.[0172]
• (11) Step S[0173]11
• The end of the total check leads to the completion of the package composed of the set of the figures, at the unit of the design change.[0174]
• The parts list[0175]controller3 outputs (figure-outputs) the figure to a figure managing system8-0 belonging to a managing department of a design change, and changes the statuses A31/B33/C36 to a3/b2/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination of this flag and these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15), based on the state database5-2.
• The designer submits the output figure to the managing department of the design change.[0176]
• (12) Step S[0177]12
• Based on the signal indicative of the admission of the design change from the figure managing system[0178]8-0, theparts list controller3 normalizes theitem30 and thepart number32, based on the input of the designer. At this stage, the design change is normally registered in the corresponding portion of the parts list5-1′ in the parts table5-1 database, which results in the situation that the change is not allowed.
• At this time, the[0179]parts list controller3 sets thestatus D39 to dl. The statuses A31/B33/C36 are still at the a3/b2/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination of these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15), based on the state database5-2. This state enables theparts list controller3 to operate (remove, change or add) the display of the part number in thepart configuration16 and change the display of the part application data in the configuration data display12 for changing another part.
• (13) Step S[0180]13
• If there is another part requesting a design change, the operational flow proceeds to a step S[0181]14. If not so, it is ended.
• (14) Step S[0182]14
• The parts list[0183]controller3 changes the configuration of the item, based on the input of the designer, and carries out the preparation for a new design change.
• At this time, the[0184]parts list controller3 changes the statuses A31/B33/C36 to a4/b3/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination of these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15), based on the state database5-2.
• (15) Step S[0185]15
• The parts list[0186]controller3 changes the configuration of the part number, based on the input of the designer, and carries out the preparation for a new design change.
• At this time, the statuses A[0187]31/B33/C36 are still at the a4/b3/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination of these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state29 (and the display of the state15), based on the state database5-2. The operational flow returns back to the step S01.
• The designer executes this process, for all of the parts requested the design changes.[0188]
• At each of the steps mentioned above process, from the combination of the statuses (state data) A[0189]31/B33/C36/D39, it is possible to discriminate between the states of the parts specified based on theitems30 and the part numbers32 (the planning/scheduling stage, the figure checking stage, the totally checking stage, the figure output stage, the normalizing stage and the like), one by one.
• Consequently, even if the tentative part number assigned to the part at the planning/scheduling stage is written to the parts list (the parts table) before the normalization, whether it is done before or after the normalization can be precisely grasped. That is, even if the part numbers at the various stages are noted on the same parts list, from the[0190]state data15, it is possible to execute the strict management of the respective part numbers.
• Then, the usage of the same parts list enables the part numbers of all the parts from the planning/scheduling stage to the final determination to be unitarily managed.[0191]
• In the present invention, the parts list[0192]5-1′ is opened. Thus, the data and the data in relation to the development can be opened (disclosed) to the persons concerned in the development without any omission.
• Then, at this time, the same part numbers are used from the planning/scheduling stage through the designing stage to the normalizing stage. Thus, even if the persons except the designer view the parts list[0193]5-1′ at any stage, they can grasp the content quickly and precisely. Hence, it is possible to widely obtain the opinions from the persons except the designer.
• According to the present invention, the tentative part number in the parts table at the planning/scheduling stage can be continuously shifted in its original state to the part stable at the designing stage and then used. Moreover, the part number can be unitarily managed from the planning/scheduling stage to the designing stage.[0194]
• Although the present invention has been described in terms of some embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to these embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example a master part's state is not only determined by the combination of its statuses, but may be associated with a slayer part's state.[0195]

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A parts list system used for part number management comprising:

a parts table database including a parts list which stores a state data and a part number data, said state data indicates a progress state of a part, and said part number data includes a number of said part as an identifier; and

a parts list controller which inhibits change of said part number data, when said state data indicates prohibition of the change of said part number data.

2. A parts list system according toclaim 1, wherein said parts list further stores a part data indicating data associated with said part.

3. A parts list system according toclaim 1, wherein said parts list controller allows the change of said part number data, when said state data indicates permission of the change of said part number data.

4. A parts list system according toclaim 1, wherein said parts list controller sets said state data based on a combination of a plurality of status data of said part and flags of said part,

said status data and said flags are set based on said progress state, and said state data are changed based on change of said combination.

5. A parts list system according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a display which displays said parts list in a form of a table to indicate said part number data of one part and said state data of said one part for each low of said table.

6. A parts list system according toclaim 1, wherein said parts list further stores a configuration data including a relationship between a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and said slave parts,

said state data of said master part is associated with any of said state data of said slave parts.

7. A parts list system according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a figure database which stores a figure data in which said part number data of said part and a figure of said part are correlated to each other; and

wherein said parts list controller inhibits the change of said part number data contained in said figure data, when said state data indicates the prohibition of the change of said part number data.

8. A parts list system according toclaim 1, when said part number data is changed to a tentative part number data, wherein said parts list controller checks validation of said tentative part number data by comparing said tentative part number data with a previously used part number data.

9. A parts list system according toclaim 1, when said part number data is changed to a tentative part number data, wherein said parts list controller checks validation of said tentative part number data by checking whether said tentative part number complies with a predetermined rule of said part number data.

10. A parts list system according toclaim 9, wherein said parts include a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and said rule includes whether said tentative part number data of said slave part includes a piece of said part number data of said master part.

11. A method of preparing a part list used for part number management comprising:

preparing a part list storing a state data and a part number data, said state data indicates a progress state of a part, and said part number data includes a number of said part as an identifier;

setting said state data which indicates permission of change of said part number data;

assigning a tentative part number data served as said part number data, when said state data indicates the permission of the change of said part number data;

setting said state data which indicates inhibition of the change of said part number data after changing design of said part;

defining said tentative part number data as a normal part number data.

12. A method according toclaim 11, further comprising:

after assigning said tentative part number data, checking validation of said tentative part number data by comparing said tentative part number data with a previously used part number data.

13. A method according toclaim 11, further comprising:

before defining said tentative part number data as said normal part number data, checking validation of said tentative part number data by checking whether said tentative part number complies with a predetermined setting rule of a part number data.

14. A method according toclaim 13,

Wherein said part includes a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and said slave parts,

wherein said rule includes whether said tentative part number data of said slayer part includes a piece of said part number data of said master part.

15. A method according toclaim 11, wherein said tentative part number data is assigned, when design of said part is changed on a figure of said part linked to said part number data.

16. A computer-readable program comprising:

preparing a part list storing a state data and a part number data, said state data indicates a progress state of a part, and said part number data includes a number of said part as an identifier;

setting said state data which indicates permission of change of said part number data;

assigning a tentative part number data served as said part number data, when said state data indicates permission to change said part number data;

setting said state data which indicates inhibition of the change of said part number data after changing design of said part;

defining said tentative part number data as a normal part number data.

17. A computer-readable program according toclaim 16, further comprising:

after assigning a tentative part number data, checking validation of said tentative part number data by comparing said tentative part number data with a previously used part number data.

18. A computer-readable program according toclaim 16, further comprising:

before defining said tentative part number data as said normal part number data, checking validation of said tentative part number data by checking whether said tentative part number complies with a predetermined setting rule of a part number data.

19. A computer-readable program according toclaim 18, Wherein said part includes a master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and said slave parts,

wherein said rule includes whether said tentative part number data of said slayer part includes a piece of said part number data of said master part.

20. A computer-readable program according toclaim 16, wherein said tentative part number data is assigned, when design of said part is changed on a figure of said part linked to said part number data.

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